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News For 2012 New York Auto Show

Amongst the significant U.S. shows, the New York show has a good reputation for being a hotbed for high end brand and sports-car introductions, as well as the place where some fascinating concepts and particular editions rolls out.

Without doubt, the 2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS is the star of the show up to now. The comeback of the iconic supercar, now with a set of modern electronic systems, driver’s assists, and connectivity features—together with a more premium trim and a high-class cabin—isn’t just a story for enthusiasts; it’s emblematic of the strength of the U.S. industry, and its recent comeback. And with its 640-horsepower, 8.4-liter V-10, the new Viper stays a glorious throwback—albeit a refreshed interpretation—to a muscle-car era of decades ago.

Apart from the Viper, one of the most excitedly anticipated premieres at the New York Show was that of the Fisker Atlantic Concept. With slow-going deliveries of the automaker’s larger Karma flagship, this new, more popular car—still two or three years away—will make it to production, officials insisted. Like the Karma, the Atlantic will be an electric vehicle, but with a small BMW engine functioning as an on-board generator when you’ve used the battery’s charge.

Already in the 2013 model year, Lexus is shipping its new GS sedans–the GS 350 we like best as an F Sport, and the GS 450h we’re finagling more time in for a future road test. The follow-up act? A pair of ES sedans making their world debut at the 2012 New York auto show, including a first-ever hybrid for what used to be Lexus’ entry-level sedan.

The new ES 350 and ES 300h run in parallel when it comes to styling, for the most part–both are thicker, more muscular than the “L-finesse” sedans they’re replacing. The interiors share some of the bigger GS’s horizontal styling themes, down to the hybrid’s bamboo trim. Gas-electric versions have just some badging and hidden exhaust tips to give away their identity.

Acura also turned to a hybrid powertrain for the introduction of the Hybrid Concept, a vehicle that very closely shows the look and design direction of the 2013 Acura RLX, a large sedan that’s due early next year and set to replace the Acura RL.